Antibody-based SERS diagnostics of fhit protein without label

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based immunosystem for ultrasensitive detection of the 90K biomarker

The research and the individuation of tumour markers in biological fluids are currently one of the main tools to support diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of the therapeutic response in oncology. Although the identification of tumour markers in asymptomatic patients is crucial for early diagnosis, its application is still limited by the relatively low sensitivity and the complexity of existing methods (i.e. ELISA, mass spectrometry). We developed an easy, fast, and ultrasensitive surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based system, for the detection and quantitation of the LGALS3BP (90K) biomarker that was used as a model, based on the development of antibody-functionalized nanostructured gold surfaces. The detection system was effective for the ultrasensitive detection and characterization of samples of different biochemical compositions. In conclusion, this work could provide the foundation for the development of a medical diagnostic device with the highest predictive power when compared with the methods currently used in cancer diagnostics.

Raman-based microarray readout: a review

For a quarter of a century, microarrays have been part of the routine analytical toolbox. Label-based fluorescence detection is still the commonest optical readout strategy. Since the 1990s, a continuously increasing number of label-based as well as label-free experiments on Raman-based microarray readout concepts have been reported. This review summarizes the possible concepts and methods and their advantages and challenges. A common label-based strategy is based on the binding of selective receptors as well as Raman reporter molecules to plasmonic nanoparticles in a sandwich immunoassay, which results in surface-enhanced Raman scattering signals of the reporter molecule. Alternatively, capture of the analytes can be performed by receptors on a microarray surface. Addition of plasmonic nanoparticles again leads to a surface-enhanced Raman scattering signal, not of a label but directly of the analyte. This approach is mostly proposed for bacteria and cell detection. However, although many promising readout strategies have been discussed in numerous publications, rarely have any of them made the step from proof of concept to a practical application, let alone routine use. Graphical Abstract Possible realization of a SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering) system for microarray readout.

Applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering in advanced bio-medical technologies and diagnostics

In this review of the literature on surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), we describe recent developments of this technique in the medical field. SERS has developed rapidly in the last few years as a result of the fascinating advancements in instrumentation and the ability to interpret complex Raman data using high-processional, computer-aided programs. This technique, has many advantages over ordinary spectroscopic analytical techniques - such as extremely high sensitivity, molecular selectivity, intense signal and great precision - that can be leveraged to address complex medical diagnostics problems. This review focuses on the SERS-active substrate, as well as major advances in cancer and bacteria detection and imaging. Finally, we present a perspective on anticipated future advancements in SERS techniques to address some of the most critical challenges in the areas of diagnostics, detection, and sensing.